TrainingPeaks calculates the climbing speed of a selection within a workout using the VAM metric.
What is VAM?
Velocità Ascensionale Media (VAM), measures the average rate of climb for a selection in a workout.
Formula
VAM = (metres ascended/hour)/(Gradient Factor x 100)
Gradient factor = 2 + (% grade/10)
How do I calculate VAM?
In order for TrainingPeaks to calculate VAM, it needs a device file uploaded to TrainingPeaks that captures speed and GPS data.
TrainingPeaks Web App
- On the TrainingPeaks web app, open a workout.
- Select a section on the graph for which you'd like to measure VAM.
- Once selected, your VAM for the selection appears in the Right-Hand Summary.
TrainingPeaks Mobile App
Of Note
- Used in cycling (traditionally, though other sports like ski mountaineering are adopting it) as a measure of fitness and uphill performance. VAM is useful in making relative comparisons of performances and estimating a rider's watts per kilogram.
- VAM increases exponentially for every increase in gradient factor at constant power. e.g. 64kg rider with a 300-watt average output:
5% | 6% | 7% | 8% | 9% | 10% | 11% | 12% | 13% |
1180m/h | 1215m/h | 1250m/h | 1290m/h | 1340m/h | 1400m/h | 1475m/h | 1565m/h | 1675m/h |
- In the absence of a power meter and weight, an athlete/coach can use VAM to back-calculate w/kg.
VAM/gradient factor/100 = VAMw/kg
e.g. gradient 6%, VAM (calculated by TrainingPeaks within the file) 1400
1400/2.6/100 = 5.38 VAMw/kg